MANDATORY COMMERCIAL AND MULTIFAMILY ORGANICS RECYCLING (RECYCLA)

Mandatory Organics Recycling Image

 

 

AB 1826 (2014) MANDATORY COMMERCIAL ORGANICS RECYCLING


This bill requires businesses and multifamily buildings (of 5 or more units) that generate 2 cubic yards or more of solid waste per week to arrange for organics recycling services.

As of January 1, 2022, all businesses are required to follow the SB 1383 regulations. Under SB 1383 the requirement for organics recycling service was expanded to all businesses and residential properties, regardless of service level or number of units.


SB 1383 (2016) SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT REDUCTION


SB 1383 targets the reduction of methane emissions from landfills. The law establishes targets to achieve a 75% reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. It also requires that at least 20% of currently disposed edible food be recovered for human consumption statewide by 2025.

Beginning January 1, 2022, all businesses, schools, and multifamily complexes are required to subscribe to an organics collection service and must separate into their green organics container ALL of their green waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper (100% fiber based).

In addition, Edible Food Generators (considered Tier 1 and Tier 2) must recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed of, arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. Please refer to the CalRecycle website SB 1383 Food Recovery mandate under HELPFUL LINKS below for more information.


CITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION


SB 1383 regulations required all jurisdictions to adopt an organics recycling ordinance. In accordance with the requirements under SB 1383 the City of LA adopted an enforceable ordinance (Ordinance number 187711) requiring businesses and residential properties to subscribe and participate in recycling and organics recycling. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Edible Food Generators must arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. Failure to arrange for required service may result in notices of violation and future administrative citations and penalties.


HOW TO ARRANGE FOR ORGANICS RECYCLING SERVICE


RecycLA customers should contact our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 and request a waste assessment, from their recycLA service provider, to establish an organics recycling service.


IMPORTANT NOTE


Beginning January 2024 commercial and multifamily properties that do not have an organics recycling service will be subject to penalties in accordance with Section 66.07. (ENFORCEMENT) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

SB 1383 Waiver
Depending on your waste make up and site conditions you may be eligible for a waiver from the requirement of mandatory organics collection. If you believe your business/property meets the eligibility conditions, please select the link below and complete the form to submit a SB 1383 Waiver Request. The City will evaluate your request and notify you of your waiver determination.

recycLA customers may be eligible for waiver if one of the waiver criteria below are met.

De minimis Waiver
  1. The commercial business’s total solid waste collection service is two (2) cubic yards or more per week and organic waste subject to collection in a blue container or a green container as specified in Section 18984.1(a) comprises less than 20 gallons per week per applicable container of the business’ total waste.
  2. The commercial business’s total solid waste collection service is less than two (2) cubic yards per week and organic waste subject to collection in a blue container or a green container as specified in Section 18984.1(a) comprises less than 10 gallons per week per applicable container of the business’ total waste.

Physical Space Waiver
  1. The City may waive a commercial business’ or property owner’s obligation to comply with the organic waste collection service requirements if the commercial business or property owner provides documentation, or the jurisdiction has evidence from its staff, a hauler, licensed architect, or licensed engineer demonstrating that the premises lack adequate space for any of the organic waste container configurations allowed under the SB 1383 regulations.
Click Here to Complete a Waiver Request Form

HELPFUL LINKS

To find out more about the SB 1383 Food Recovery mandate please refer to the CalRecycle website:
Please also see the following helpful links: